Recipe of the Month: Goji Date Balls

Enjoy a healthy alternative to the usual sweets that are around every holiday season. These Goji Berry Date Balls (including some yummy variations in pumpkin or pistachio) are nutritious, protein packed, super foods. They're both dessert and a healthy power snack! You can also pick up a printed recipe card from the front desk at Portland Healing Space!

Goji Berry Date Balls

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Goji Berry Date Balls

Ingredients:

• 16 Medjool dates, pitted

• 1 cup toasted almonds

• 2 to 3 tbsp. water

• 1/2 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut

• 1/3 cup raw almond butter or coconut butter

• 3 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/2 tsp. each, smoked paprika and cayenne

• 1/4 cup goji berries

Variations: Pistachio Balls: Replace almonds with 1 C toasted pistachios. Replace smoked paprika and cayenne with 1 tsp. each cardamom and bee pollen. Roll in toasted pistachios.

Pumpkin balls: Replace almonds with 1 C toasted pecans. Replace 2-3 T of water with 2-3 T of pumpkin puree. Add pumpkin spice to goji cayenne with 1 tsp. each nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove. Roll in toasted pecans.

Directions:

1. Pulse goji berries in food processor. Set aside in a bowl.

2. Pulse almonds in food processor until coarsely ground. Set aside in a bowl.

3. Pulse dates in food processor. Add almonds, coconut, almond butter, cocoa powder, and cinnamon to dates. Add 2-3 tbsp. water to hold mixture together.

4. Pulse mixture, scraping down sides as needed, until it holds together when squeezed.

5. Transfer mixture into a large bowl. Scoop about 1 Tbsp. of mixture and roll into a ball.

6. Roll balls in goji berries and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.